Absorbent composition of matter for odoriferouse substances and releaser of diverse active ingredients

ABSTRACT

A new product is described characterized by its qualities to absorb undesirable scents present in the air, while serving at the same time as a carrier for aromas, fragrances, flavorings, repellents, attractants and other active ingredients. The active ingredients are gradually released by the carrier, which is compatible with the environment and current tendencies towards the use of organic and biodegradable products. The composition comprises a carrier and an active ingredient. The carrier is characterized as being particles obtained from the milling, separation, air wash and classification of the different fractions obtained from corncobs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] A new product is described characterized by it's qualities as anabsorbent of undesirable scents present in the air and capable ofsimultaneously acting as a carrier of fragrances, aromas and otheractive ingredients, which are released, gradually by the carrier to theair around it. The combination of both factors, characterized by thecomposition of matter ability to absorb undesirable scents and releasefragrances or other active ingredients, simultaneously andindependently. The processes for obtaining this product is alsodescribed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The search by mankind for absorption of unpleasant aromas andscents in the air that we breathe is as old as civilization. Theearliest documents come from the Egyptians that used substances likecharcoal, to absorb from the air the scent of the cadavers in themummification process.

[0003] Over the centuries these processes of purification for breathableair evolved in their technique, particularly at the beginning of the XXcentury due to the advent of toxic gases for military purposes. Thisevolution consisting in the filtration of breathable air has progressedto satisfy military and industrial necessities. Quick advances in thestate of the art where made during the second half of the XX century, toimprove the quality of the air in closed spaces, due to the contaminantsin the air, generated by industry, transportation and in general bymodern human activities. These filtration and purification systems ingeneral are expensive and active in nature, requiring energy tocirculate the air for its filtration.

[0004] On the other hand the evolution of passive systems has been slowand not as effective as that of the active systems. Passive systems donot require energy to absorb scents; fans or forced air through filtersare not necessary to absorb gases or undesirable substances in the air.Passive systems are characterized to be substances or products thatexposed to the environment, absorb, adsorb (accumulation on the surface)or react chemically to eliminate undesirable scents, gases or particlesfrom the air.

[0005] The necessity to counteract or to eliminate, effectively andeconomically, the undesirable odors in the air has increased along withpopulation growth, especially in urban concentrations since this iswhere the largest amount of pollutants and substances that bother humansmell are generated. Examples of patents addressing this problem, areU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,944,704; 5,932,495; 5,932,147; 5,891,508; 5,861,147;5,856,248; 5,807,364; 5,782,409; 5,733,272; 5,714,137 and the 5,593,670.

[0006] Examples common to the necessity of counteracting these pollutingagents that cause bad odors are: the elimination of the aroma of tobaccosmoke and its smell that impregnates closed spaces, such as houses,offices and automobiles. The malodor of garbage in kitchens, houses andbuildings. The necessity to absorb or to neutralize scents duringstorage of foods, ranging from domestic to commercial and industrialrefrigerators. The previous examples are just a small sample of thedynamic and ever more complex universe of human beings and pets,cohabiting and using progressively more consumer goods in continuouslyreducing spaces.

[0007] In the combat of malodor scents, the most common and oldest isthe one characterized by the use of substances that contain perfumes tomask scents. The masking of scents is the concealment of one smell byanother, usually a malodor. However the preferences for different aromasvary according to the individual and require relatively large amounts ofperfume to counteract smelly malodor aromas.

[0008] Other forms of controlling malodor are, for example, the use ofchemical substances. These processes are known in the state of the artas degradation by oxidation, where oxidizing agents such as: Chlorinebleach, Sodium hypochlorite, Chlorine Dioxide, and PotassiumPermanganate are used. Other forms use degradation processes forreduction of malodor, these use active ingredients such as, SodiumBisulfate to reduce malodor. These substances can be dangerous andaggressive for humans if used in direct form or exposed to theenvironment, they may also be harmful if in direct contact to cloths andmany different surface materials.

[0009] Another method for the control of malodor is the use of activeingredients designed to react with smelly or malodor substances, byusing specific chemical groups. Examples of these substances are thebiguanid polymers that are mingled with organic compounds that containatoms N and/or S, as well as the esters of fatty alcohol's of MethylMetacrylic that react with thiols, ammines and aldehydes. Their benefitsare limited since they only react with certain very specific types ofmalodor.

[0010] Other types of well-known compounds are deodorants, in the stateof the art these are antibacterial and fungicidal which destroymicroorganisms that produce malodor. These compounds, typical informulations of products for personal hygiene, are not effective incombating smelly substances that have already been generated and that donot come from sources like tobacco smoke or food.

[0011] Other forms of eliminating undesirable aromas from the air, areachieved, using absorbent substances or products. Malodor particles orcompounds stick to their molecular structure; these chemicalcompositions are the cause of malodor. Other absorbent agents arecharacterized by admitting and retaining the malodor molecule insidetheir molecular structure. Among the more common absorbent agents arecharcoal, alkaline compounds such as sodium bicarbonate, aluminumsilicates and Zeolite. Some chemical substances are also absorbents,such as: Ciclodextrine whose intermolecular cavities admit smallmolecules of malodor. However, Ciclodextrin, especially when formulatedin a watery solution, is considered fertile ground for microorganisms,given their important glucose content.

[0012] Finally it is necessary to consider that conceptually there aretwo forms of achieving reduction or elimination of malodor. The first iscalled a passive system, meaning that upon exposure to the environment,the active ingredient or the absorbent agent eliminates malodor scentsfrom the surrounding air by contact. The second is an active system thatachieves effectiveness by utilizing a mechanical devise. Most common areforced air systems that circulate air that in combination with absorbentor active ingredients, filter, absorb, perfume, or react chemically withmalodor substances.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The functional objective of this invention, is that thiscomposition of matter gathers three simultaneous qualities: 1) absorbsundesirable scents from the air 2) simultaneously releases into the airdifferent types of active ingredients, usually but not limited topleasant aromas. 3) Operates efficiently and economically by being apassive agent that does not require use of energy and it's associatedoperating cost.

[0014] Additionally it is necessary to contemplate other factors thatare concurrent in the present invention and that are part of the newproduct, object of this invention in it's functional aspects:

[0015] First; Current tendencies prefer the use of organic andbiodegradable materials, such is the case of this absorbent carrier thatwhile absorbing malodors and releasing active ingredients into it'ssurrounding, is compatible with the environment and easily disposableand recyclable in nature.

[0016] Second; Covered under the concept of aromas we find pleasentsmelling substances perceivable to the human sense of smell, as well asother substances that without being significantly disagreeable to humansmay be used as repellents or attractants for other species. Thecomposition of matter object of this invention can also be used as acarrier for repellents or attractants to species like insects,microorganisms, reptiles, mammals, etc.

[0017] The concept of the new product derived from the presentinvention, is enlarged in its range of applications. For example, usesin agriculture, home and industry are possible by combining it'squalities to absorb malodor and gradually release an aromatic substanceto repel plagues of insects like cockroaches in kitchens or mosquitoesas well as other agricultural crop damaging insects. Good results areobtained by combining a substance like Nepetalactone, known for it'squalities as a repellent of cockroaches or garlic known for it'squalities as a repellent for garden or agriculture damaging insects,with this absorbent carrier. Additionally the absorbent carrier has thecapacity to gradually release these forms of repellent aromas providingfor a long lasting product; malodor, if present is also absorbed.Inversely, attractant substances can be used, being of particularlyuseful application for household pets, for example, the use of anattractant aroma or fragrance in the production of cat litter.

[0018] Third; the absorbent agent can be combined with other chemicalsubstances whose properties allow them to react chemically with aromaspresent in the air. This includes the use of substances not perceived byhuman smell. Such as oxidizing agents or reducers that can helpneutralize the concurrence of diverse aromas, like those present in arefrigerator; Simultaneously the aroma absorption capacity of thecarrier comes into effect resulting in a refrigerator that doesn'tsmell.

[0019] Another example for the use of the composition of matter subjectof this invention, is its use for medicinal and therapeutic use. As isthe case of aromatherapy, where the carrier releases into the air of aroom, automobile, or office, aromas of medicinal type in accordance tothe results a user is trying to achieve, for example: Aroma of thyme,eucalyptus or other to alleviate breathing congestion.

[0020] Fourth; The product object of the present invention fulfills thequalities of absorption of malodor and/or the release of aromas orfragrances in a passive way, when being exposed to the environment inany container that allows it's contact with the air around it. The newproduct can also be used as a substantial component in active systems,since it can be adapted to all type of air conditioning, heating, airfiltration, air care, industrial or commercial spaces as well astransportation vehicles. Functionality is mostly dependent on the use ofan appropriate container that adapts to the required air intake of thesystem in question.

[0021] The qualities of the new product are more obvious and moreeffective in active systems of air filtration and conditioning,characterized by recycling air in relatively reduced spaces, such asautomobiles, airplanes and public transportation vehicles. The intensityand duration of the aroma or fragrance released in the air throughactive systems, can be controlled by the concentration of aromas,fragrances or active substances to be used as well as it's adequateformulation, according to the knowledge available for the state of theart.

[0022] The effectiveness and duration of this new product in combinationwith active systems, will depend on the absorbent agent's volume andthis amount is calculated in direct relationship to the volume and airspeed that the active system moves in a given period of time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The preferred embodiment of the product object of the presentinvention consists of two basic elements: first, a carrier characterizedby it's great capacity for odor and malodor absorption, and gradualrelease of other active substances toward the air or surroundingatmosphere. Second, one or more chemical, natural or synthetic elementsthat added to the carrier complete diverse functions, according to thedesired results (perfume surrounding air, react with undesirablesubstances present in the air, liberate therapeutic, repellent orattractant chemical agents).

[0024] The carrier which is the preferred embodiment of the product inthe present invention is a material obtained from the threshed ear ofcorn (Zea Maiz) whose special physical and chemical qualities als lowthe previously described functions, of absorption and gradual release.To obtain the different components that comprise the threshed ear ofcorn, an industrial process, well known in the state of the art isrequired, which consists of separation, classification and sizing ofeach one of the components that constitute corncobs.

[0025] The threshed ear of the corn, also known as “olote” in Mexico,“spiga de maiz” in Castilian, corncob in English, “sabugo ” inPortuguese and “balle de mats” in French, if cut transversely isconstituted by three concentric ring. Starting with the inner ring, theyare known in English as pith, woody ring and chaff. The material of thepresent invention uses the woody ring and chaff portions.

[0026] The woody ring, as well as the chaff portions have similarcharacteristics, both can be used as carriers for active ingredients asdescribed in the body of the present invention. The main differencesreside in the difference of absorption capacity and in the particlehardness. Other differences exist and are described below.

[0027] In order for the woody ring to comply with the requirements ofthe present invention it must have the following characteristics: woodyring should be 99% free of other cob particles, it should have no morethan 1% dust or fines (the product should be air washed). It must besubjected to heat treatment that guarantees microbiology content andmoisture levels under 10%. For correct functionality, the particle sizeshould be uniform in size and ranges should not exceed a maximum of 2380microns and a minimum of 250 microns.

[0028] The woody ring of corncobs is characterized by the following: ahardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, a fast absorbency of oil (for examplesoybean oil) of 1 to 1 on weight basis and the typical molecularstructure of a natural fiber. Ideally particle sizing for the presentinvention should be between the following ranges: 1) retained or largerthan a mesh of 2380 microns, 2) particles between 2380 and 1191 microns,3) particles between 1191 and 841 microns, 4) particles between 841 and420 microns.

[0029] The main characteristic of the particle size is the contactsurface that each one represents; for example, particles between 1410and 841 microns have an average contact surface of 5.88 square metersper gram. Particles between 841 and 420 microns have an average contactsurface of 7.20 square meters per gram. This characteristic is decisivein the qualities of absorption of different substances on the part ofthe carrier that embodies the product object of the present invention.

[0030] It is necessary to highlight that woody ring particles arecharacterized by having a structure that seen on an electron microscope,resembles that of a sea sponge. One can infer that this type structurehas capacity to admit and retain substances of small and large molecularsize. This allows superior qualities of absorption in comparison toother products such as Ciclodextrines that as is known in the state ofthe art, only admits malodor molecules of small size.

[0031] The separate and classified sizes of woody ring have uniquequalities for the absorption of scents from the air in contact withthem. To illustrate this, diverse laboratory tests were made withsurprising results as follows:

EXAMPLE #1

[0032] A 100 gram portion of mature Camembert cheese, a 20 gram portionof bacon and a 10 cm dish containing 25 grams of woody ring particlessized between 1410 and 841 microns where all placed in a sealed glasscontainer. Another glass container with the same components except forthe woody ring particles was also prepared as a control sample. Bothglass containers were inspected at intervals of 24 hs, 3 days, 5 daysand 8 days; the container with the absorbent material practically didn'tmanifest the characteristic scent of the decomposition of productscontained, while the control glass container presented potent andunpleasant scents.

EXAMPLE #2

[0033] 10 grams of tobacco where incinerated in two sealed glasscontainers. One of the containers had a 10 cm diameter dish containing10 grams of woody ring, sized between 1410 and 841 microns. The othercontainer remained as a control sample. After 24 hours both containerswhere opened. The container with the absorbent woody ring particles didnot present the characteristic scent of tobacco, while the controlsample presented potent scents characteristic of tobacco smoke.

[0034] In both tests the evaluation of the scents or aromas were carriedout by the authors of the present invention, as well as by aprofessional perfumist whose educated sense of the smell surrendered anobjective opinion of these tests.

[0035] The characteristics of the Chaff portion of the corncob aresimilar to the woody ring portion in its ability to function as acarrier for fragrances and other active ingredients. The mostdistinguishing differences are: 1) more absorption; between 1.5 and 3times it's weight in oil. 2) Particles size between 841 and 73 micronsand 3) less particle flowability. Woody ring particles are rounder inshape than chaff and therefore flow better.

[0036] This physical difference between woody ring particles and chaffparticles is translated into functional differences in the ability toabsorb undesirable scents from the air. Additionally the granular formof the woody ring allows for more interparticule space for airflow.While the smaller closer chaff particles allow less airflow.

[0037] Both woody ring and chaff are characterized by having an almostneutral pH, in the order of 6. This quality makes it an ideal inertcarrier with all type of substances, since it does not react with activeingredients. Some other types of carriers have to be disactivated firstto neutralize their pH content.

[0038] The physical and chemical characteristics of corncobs are notfavorable for the development of microorganisms, therefore not providingfertile ground for bacteria or fungi that in turn cause malodor ordisagreeable scents. It is known in the state of the art that a wholecorncob can be stored without cover for periods of one year.

[0039] The functional differences of the woody ring portion (flowabilityand larger interparticle space) and that of the chaff (more absorption)allow for a great diversity of applications and use. These corncobfractions can be used combined or separately, for differentapplications, that are described for the absorbent carrier thatintegrates the product object of the present invention.

[0040] For example, if the functional objective, is the absorption of anactive substance to be slowly released in the air and at the same timeallowing the flow of malodor air to be absorbed, the suitable product isthe one obtained from the woody ring. If on the contrary the functionalobject is to achieve absorption of an active substance to be slowlyreleased in the air and the absorption of malodors or scents is notimportant, the elected product would be the chaff portion.

[0041] Other approaches to select the corncob fraction can be: theconvenience of not having powders or fines. An example of such anapplication is the integration of the absorbent agent to activefiltration systems where the use of the product from the woody ring ismost suitable. If the active ingredient required is thick in nature orif product were required to be molded in a three-dimensional object(including the making of pellets), one would be inclined to select thechaff portion.

[0042] On the other hand, and a substantial element of the compositionof matter, object of the present invention, are the active substances oringredients to be used. These can be aromas, perfumes, flavors or othernatural or chemical agents that are integrated to the product derivedfrom the composition of matter object of the present invention. Ingeneral these substances are available in a liquid, powder or granularstate and depending on the active agents chemical constitution, solublein oil or water.

[0043] Under these conditions the absorbent carrier, depending on thetype of active ingredients used, can absorb a larger or smaller quantityof said agent. This depends primarily on the size of the activeingredient molecule size, the absorbent carriers gradual release willalso depend on this molecular size. The absorption of malodor or scentsis simultaneously achieved. The intensity, duration and brightness ofthe aroma, with fragrances, will depend on factors of the activeingredient or agent's composition. For example, larger molecular size isequal to longer duration, while the presence of smaller molecular sizessuch as those in an ester, evaporate quickly.

[0044] Some examples for the formulation of the absorbent carrier withactive substances in a liquid state are:

EXAMPLE #1

[0045] for fragrances, perfumes and therapeutic aromas, generally usinga base of polyvinyl glycol, light mineral oil or microencapsulatedpowder or granular base, the concentration on a weight basis of thewoody ring to active ingredient, is from 0.01% to 18%. A larger amountsaturates the absorbent carrier and product flowability is greatlyreduced. For concentrations on a weight basis of the chaff portionranges from 0.01% to 36% are required.

EXAMPLE #2

[0046] for repellents and attractants, generally in oleaginous ormicroencapsulated powder or granular bases such as Givaudans FlavorBurst™ products, the recommended concentration ranges, for the woodyring as well as the chaff portion, are similar to the previous example.Concentrations depend on the active ingredient or agent used and thefunctionality desired in the end product.

EXAMPLE #3

[0047] for oxidizers and chemical reducers or neutralizers, generally ina liquid or solid microencapsulated powder or granular base, theconcentration ranges on a per weight basis, both for woody ring andchaff are from 0.05% to 5% of active ingredient or substance. Being thatthe determinant factor is not the capacity of carrier absorption, butrather the capacity to stay stable and not be affected by the activesubstance.

EXAMPLE #4

[0048] for antibacterial and fungicidal use, when these are in a water,oleaginous or microencapsulated powder or granular base, the proportionof active ingredient or agent on a per weight basis to absorbent carrieris the same as that of example #1. When the active ingredient uses awater base, the concentrations on a per weight basis can range from0.01% to 25% with the woody ring fraction and 0.01% to 50% with chaff.The concentration to choose will be determined by the experience of whomever prepares formulations according to the known state of the art.

[0049] Additionally as mentioned in previous examples, the formulationof the composition of matter or product object of the invention, can bemade using liquid based active ingredients added to the absorbentcarrier. The possibility also exists for the use of solid materials asactive ingredients, usually in the form of pure or microencapsulatedproducts. This variation allows more flexibility in the absorbentcarriers applications. It can also take advantage of factors likestronger concentrations of active ingredients. Many pure substances comein solid form; the use of a liquid as diluent or dispersant of the puresubstance implies a reduction in its concentration or strength. Forexample table salt NaCl is more intense to the palate than its versiondiluted in water, commonly called brine.

[0050] On the other hand the use of active ingredients in solid statecan adhere and/or adsorb to the surface of the absorbent corn cobcarrier, allowing it to use a larger proportion of it's inner absorbentcapacity for malodor or other applications. The opposite occurs whenusing active ingredients in a liquid state, since these occupy more ofthe corncob carriers odor absorbent capacity thus partially reducingit's ability to absorb undesirable malodor.

[0051] The option of using active ingredients in solid state instead ofliquid, is possible with the concurrence of 4 basic elements: anabsorbent carrier, constituted by a fraction derived from corncobs, anactive ingredient or agent that is in liquid or solid state; acombination resulting from the mix of a mineral or organic carrier witha liquid base active ingredient and finally, a substance that assuresthat, the active ingredients absorb or adsorb to the corncob carrier(avoiding the separation among carriers or agents and assuring correcthomogeneity, functionality and dispersion).

[0052] To exemplify the above-mentioned we describe two practicalexamples. The results obtained, using two types of active ingredientsone in liquid form and the other solid, both dispersed in the corncobcarrier; woody ring sized between 1410 and 841 microns was used. Theliquid active ingredient is a concentrated floral fragrance perfumeusing polyvinyl glycol as a carrier.

EXAMPLE #5

[0053] Corncob carrier mixed with an active ingredient in is a liquidbase. The density of the active ingredient determined a saturation pointof 18% on a per weight basis to the corncob granules. 180 grams ofactive ingredient where mixed with a kilogram of corncob carrier. Thisproportion maintains carrier flowability, absorption of odors and slowrelease of active ingredient (fragrance).

[0054] Results: the perfuming active ingredient, was released graduallyand perceived smell lasted 30 days. The corncob carrier continuedabsorbing scents in the air after 30 days.

EXAMPLE #6

[0055] two active ingredients; one utilizing an encapsulated activeingredient, commercially available, like Givaudan fragrance or flavor,in powder form and the other, using a laboratory sample, made by mixingSilicon Dioxide (SiO2), in proportion of 1 to 4 on the base of liquidactive ingredient to Silicon Dioxide weight. The absorbent corncobcarrier was impregnated with an adherent coating, in this caseconsisting of a 0.5% per weight basis, foamed solution of anionicsurfactant with water. Once the corncob carrier was mixed with the foam,an adherent coating of foam formed on the corncob granules. Immediatelyafter which the active ingredients in solid form where added. The activeingredient particles adhered to the coating and allowed for ahomogeneous mixture without separation.

[0056] Results: In both cases the adhesion of solid particles to thecorncob granules allowed a more intense and prolonged duration of theperfuming scent, which was slowly released over a 60 day period, incomparison to the 30 days obtained in example #5 with a liquid activeingredient perfume mixed directly with corncob granules. In both casesthe corncob absorbed odors in the air even after 60 days.

[0057] Both examples, one with liquid and the other with solid activeingredients were performed at the same time. The new product was exposedto the air by placing it in a 40 cm×5 cm.dish. The product was placed intwo separate rooms measuring 3×4×2.4 mts.

[0058] The adherents used to form a coating on corncob particles arewithin the following ranges:

EXAMPLE #7

[0059] Using surfactants as adherent coating: anionic, cationic andamphoteric can be used. The formulation is: foam obtained from addingwater to 0.02% to 5% of surfactant by weight. The quantity of foam on aper weight basis to corncob woody ring fraction (carrier) is between0.5% and 3.5%. Larger proportions do not allow for an appropriatemixture when adding active ingredients in solid form.

EXAMPLE #8

[0060] Using mineral oils as an adherent coating; they should be highlyrefined preferably odor and colorless; viscosity on the Saybolt scale(SUS/210 F) should be between 40 and 300. The concentration of mineraloil by weight to woody ring is between 0.5% and 18%.

[0061] Finally active ingredients can be polymers, perfumes, oxidizers,attractants, repellents, reducers, antibacterials, etc. in solid form.These ingredients are mixed and dispersed with the granular corncobcarrier sized between 37 and 250 microns. The quantity of solid activeingredient dispersed should be between 1% and 40% per weight basis.

[0062] In conclusion, the incorporation of corncob fractions mentionedwith active ingredients whether chemically synthesized or natural,improves the qualities and functionality that both elements have forthemselves separately. However, the use of corncob fractions asabsorbent of odoriferous substances from the environment is also a novelconcept. The forms of carrying out the mixture or integration of theseelements can vary according to the circumstance. The types of activeingredients that will be used depend on the functional objective that ispursued, equipment available and the experience of those skilled in theart.

[0063] Having described the invention, many different embodiments willbecome apparent to one skilled in the art to which the inventionpertains without deviating from the scope of the disclosure as set forthin the appended claims.

Having described the invention sufficiently, and considering it a novelty we claim the following:
 1. Absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment, characterized by a carrier formed by particles obtained from the milling, separation, air washing and classification of the concentric rings or fractions of corncobs. These rings or fractions known as woody ring (intermediate ring), chaff (outer ring) with a content of less than 1% of fines by weight and a moisture content below 10%.
 2. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances of the environment of claim 1 wherein particles are characterized by pertaining to the woody ring fraction of corncobs, with a content of less than 1% of fines by weight and a moisture content below 10%.
 3. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances of the environment of claim 2 additionally characterized by said particles have a size that ranges between 250 and 2380 microns and a moisture content of less than 10% by weight.
 4. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment of claim 1 additionally characterized by said particles are obtained from the chaff fraction (outer ring) of corncobs, with a content of less than 1% of fines by weight and a moisture content below 10%.
 5. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of claim 4 additionally characterized because said particles are sized between 73 and 841 microns and a moisture content below 10% by weight.
 6. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient, characterized by a carrier formed by particles obtained from the milling, separation, air washing and classification of the fractions that constitute corncobs.
 7. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of claim 6, additionally characterized by said particles being obtained exclusively from the woody ring fraction of corncobs.
 8. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of claim 7, additionally characterized by said particles having a size that ranges between 250 and 2380 microns and a moisture content below 10% by weight.
 9. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of claim 6, additionally characterized by said particles being obtained exclusively from the chaff fraction of corncobs.
 10. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of claim 9, additionally characterized by said particles having a size that ranges between 73 and 841 microns and a moisture content below 10% by weight.
 11. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claims 6 through 10, additionally characterized by said active ingredient being selected from a group of substances formed by polymers, fragrances, flavors, oxidizers, attractants, repellents, reductors and antibacterials, in liquid or solid state.
 12. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 11 additionally characterized because the concentrations of fragrance, perfumes and therapeutic aromas usually in a polyvinyl glycol or light mineral oil base, are from 0.01% to 18% on a weight basis of the woody ring fraction of the corn cob, to avoid saturation and the loss of product flowability.
 13. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 11, characterized because the concentrations of fragrance, perfumes and therapeutic aromas usually in a polyvinyl glycol or light mineral oil base, are from 0.01% to 36% on a weight basis of the chaff fraction of the corncob, to avoid saturation and the loss of product flowability.
 14. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 6 through 13, characterized because this composition additionally comprises a carrier for solids, mineral or organic, in powder or granular form, to be used in case the active ingredient is a liquid, and an adherent substance that assures that, the active agent's absorbent carrier adheres to the corncob particles homogeneously.
 15. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 6 through 14, characterized by a surfactant foam coating in amounts ranging from 0.02% to 5% in water. Said surfactant foam solution being 0.5% to 3.5% by weight of corncob particles.
 16. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 6 through 15, characterized by said carrier being an odorless and colorless mineral or organic oil, with a viscosity on the Saybolt scale (SUS/210 F) of between 40 and
 300. 17. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 6 through 16, characterized by said mineral oil being between 0.5% and 18% of woody ring particles on a per weight basis.
 18. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 6 through 17, characterized by this composition used in a passive form.
 19. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of active ingredients of the type comprising a carrier and an active ingredient of claim 6 through 18, characterized by this composition incorporated into an active system for filtering, recycling and/or treating air. 